Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher had his home raided while his club side played in Italy in February 2009. A gang broke into Fletcher's family home in upmarket Bowdon, Greater Manchester, and threatened a woman at the house before raiding rooms and snatching property.

In 2005, former Bolton defender Mark Fish was tied up and robbed after his home appeared on TV show Footballers' Cribs. He was the second victim of raiders following an appearance on the MTV show after former England goalkeeper Ian Walker was also targeted.

More recently, Watford midfielder Alexander Merkel was robbed on the doorstep of his home in Hampstead, north London, by a gang who tried to batter down his front door with mopeds last month.

Also in May, Wigan Athletic player James McArthur had his FA Cup winner's medal stolen in a burglary at his home, along with two wedding rings.

Swansea City head coach and former player Garry Monk was burgled last November while he underwent knee surgery.

South Wales Police said Monk lost property of "great sentimental value" when a back door was forced at his family home in Gower Road, in the well-heeled area of Killay, in Swansea.

Birmingham City winger Peter Lovenkrands was robbed of a diamond-encrusted watch outside his family home in Solihull in January last year. The former Rangers forward was approached by two men as he parked his car before they made off with his £30,000 wristwatch.